Newly qualified

Katy Martin studied at University of Sheffield and qualified in 2014. She is currently a foundation trainee in London on the UCL Eastman training scheme. Katie is starting a dental core training post in Thames Valley in September 2015.

Basmal Ria and Emma Wates both studied dentistry at Kings College London and qualified July 2014. They wrote this article in the hope that their experiences so far in DFT could help future DFTs understand what to expect in their year to come.

Toyin studied at The University of Manchester and qualified in July 2014. She has written this article for both dental students and qualified dentists; to encourage them in difficult situations. She has used her own experience as an example of how to overcome challenges. It is a non-clinical article, but she feels it covers important issues which are often overlooked in this profession.

Jatinder Moore and Shreya Shah graduated in 2014 from King's College London. Having undergone the DF1 application process in their final year of dental school they both gained appointments in their first choice schemes and are currently practising in the West Midlands and East of England Deaneries respectively.

Jennifer studied in Dundee and graduated June 2014. Jennifer says “I wanted to write this article for anyone who felt as nervous and scared as I did before starting my foundation training position, hopefully by writing this – some fears will be put to rest!”

Ciara graduated from University College Cork in 2013, from there she completed foundation training on the Charing Cross scheme in London. Ciara is now in her DCT1 year in maxillofacial surgery in Northampton General Hospital.

Hiten Halai graduated in 2012 from Barts and The London. After foundation training he completed a Restorative and General Duties DF2 post at The Royal London Dental Hospital. He is currently working as a private associate in Singapore.

"I have written this article to share my experience of this particular training programme and the opportunities it can present to anyone looking to explore interests in a specific area of dentistry other than maxillofacial surgery."

A young dentist shares his experience of foundation training and how to provide the best patient care to achieve a happy patient.

Foundation training is a roller-coaster of highs and lows. It is a time to adjust to the paces of general practice, expand your clinical repertoire, and more importantly develop your communication skills.